NEFFA RULES

Clear, consistent rules designed for competitive play in a structured, premium game-day environment.

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Quick Rules

6v6 Format

4 Downs To Midfield

4 Downs To Score

No QB Rushing

2 × 15 Min Halves

2 Timeouts Per Team

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Tournament Format

3 games of pool play to determine seeding
Seeding will be based on record, then point differential
Bracket play is single elimination (all teams advance to bracket play)

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Game Clock

Running clock
Clock stops at the 1-minute mark each half
Pro-style clock under 1 minute
25-second play clock

Possession

A coin toss determines initial possession (winner may defer).
Possessions begin at the 5-yard line.
Turnovers are spotted where the play ends.
Interceptions are live and may be returned.
Fumbles are dead at the spot of the fumble.

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Offense

4 downs to cross midfield.
4 downs to score.
No QB rushing.
All players are eligible receivers.
Forward passes must be thrown behind the line of scrimmage.
No laterals beyond the line of scrimmage.
No blocking or pick plays.
No diving, stiff-arms, or jumping with the ball.

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Defense

Rush allowed after a 5 Mississippi count.
No intentional contact (strictly enforced).
No impeding receiver routes.

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Co-Ed Rules

A minimum of two (2) female players must be on the field at all times.
At least one of every three (3) offensive plays must involve a female player.

A play is considered “female-involved” if a female player:

Throws a forward pass.
Is the intended receiver (targeted).
Records a reception.
Carries the ball (handoff or rush).
A target counts regardless of completion.
Failure to meet the requirement results in a 5-yard penalty and loss of down.

Dead Ball

Play is dead when a flag is pulled.
The ball is spotted where the flag is pulled.
Ball carrier stepping out of bounds = dead at that spot.
Incomplete pass = dead ball.

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Scoring

Touchdown = 6 points
Extra Points

1 point from the 5-yard line.
2 points from the 10-yard line.
Defense may return an interception for the same value.

Penalties

Holding – 5 yards, automatic first down.
Excessive Contact – 15 yards, automatic first down.
False Start – 5 yards.
Early Rush – 5 yards.
Pass Interference – 10 yards, automatic first down.
Illegal Pass – 5 yards, loss of down.
Flag Guarding – 10 yards.
Delay of Game – 5 yards.

Overtime

Pool play games may end in a tie.
Bracket play uses the Kansas City overtime format.
Each team receives one possession from the 25-yard line.

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Roster & Forfeits

Maximum 10 players per team.
Minimum 5 players required to start.
5-minute grace period before forfeit.

Sportsmanship

Respect officials, opponents, and staff.
No fighting or abusive behavior.
Violations may result in removal.

Final Authority

NEFFA officials have final authority on all rulings and disputes.

All decisions are made in the best interest of fair play and game integrity.

Need Full Details

Download the complete Official rulebook.

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